Approaching Patmos

Each motion of the waves courses

age through arthritic limbs, now

bound within strips of leather.

The galley slaves moan, in unison,

maintaining a tempo with their oars.

The barren rock approaches, larger

than anticipated with only

catacomb-caves to offer shelter

from sun’s heat. It will end here,

alone but for God. A fear swells

within, not of isolation or even death,

but a fear of revelation.

This photo of Patmos is courtesy of TripAdvisor